Computer Networking First Step explains basic network concepts about as easily and gently as any book we’ve seen. Read it, and you’ll look like you know what you’re talking about — because you actually will.

Wendell Odom introduces LANs, WANs, the Internet, routers, switches, network addressing, remote access, security, and a whole lot more. Throughout, he uses the running analogy of “roadways” to make sense of networking — and it works very, very well.

Maybe you’re taking a first networking course and you can’t make sense of the textbook. Maybe you’re planning to earn certification someday. Maybe you’re a manager who has to supervise techies. Maybe you’re an entrepreneur who needs to get a network installed. Whatever the reason, start right here.